Local World War II Veteran Experiences the Heartland Honor Flight

Local World War II Veteran Experiences the Heartland Honor Flight

Vets can visit memorials in Washington D.C. as a thank you for their service. 130 vets boarded a plane in Kansas City earlier this month for what they are calling, "a trip of a lifetime."

CARL JUNCTION, MO.--- A local World War II veteran gets a trip of a lifetime. Vets can visit memorials in Washington D.C. as a thank you for their service. 130 vets boarded a plane in Kansas City earlier this month for what they are calling, "a trip of a lifetime."

"From the time you get on the plane until you get off the plane, you are treated with nothing but respect," said Wayne Lawson, Retired U.S. Army Vet.

Carl Junction's Wayne Lawson served in the Philippines during World War II and was one of more than 100 vets aboard the Heartland Honor Flight.

"The first thing that we saw of course was the World War II monument. It is a beautiful monument," said Lawson.

Lawson says part of the Honor Flight experience includes visiting places like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

"Go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was amazing, and we observed the changing of the guard, which was impressive," said Lawson.

Each veteran has a guardian to tag along, and Lawson chose his granddaughter.

"Beth Loney, she's a doctor general practitioner in Stockton, Kansas. She volunteered," said Lawson.

Lawson also says 'what happens on the Honor Flight, stays on the Honor Flight.'

"Oh sure, you can't be around a bunch of veterans without them swapping stories. I won't talk about the stories," said Lawson.

This trip adds to those stories, participants are calling it a trip of a lifetime.

"I won't forget it, and I know all the men that were on the trip, it will be something they will remember for the rest of their life," said Lawson.

Any military veterans can go, but World War II vets get first priority because they're getting older and not many are still alive. The Honor Flight is free, but vets must sign up. For more information, click here.

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